Queen of the Damned

Starring: Aaliyah, Stuart Townsend and Vincent Perez
Director: Michael Rymer

Rating: R

Review Posted: 8.26.02

By John Teves

Legendary Vampire Lestat (STUART TOWNSEND) has risen from a decades-long slumber, determined to step out into the light. No longer content with being banished to the shadows, moving among mortals who never truly see him for what he is, Lestat has re-invented himself as the closest thing to a god on Earth: a rock star. The intoxicating lure of his music has snaked its way around the globe, ultimately finding the ear of the slumbering ancient Queen Akasha (AALIYAH) in her crypt beneath the Arctic ice. Mother of all Vampires, Akasha has been resting for centuries, waiting for the right time to rise again and seize dominion over the world. Lestat's music is the revelation she has been waiting for, and she desires that he rule beside her. But can Akasha be stopped? Her malevolent power may be too great for even the most ancient of the immortal Vampires to combat - she created them, and their survival depends on her own.

Before watching this film I asked myself – why did Tom Cruise not reprise his role as Lestat? Subsequent to seeing this film I know now that Tom made the right move to stay away from this flop. Queen of the Damned is extremely boring, uninspiring, week and lacks the sense of power and appeal that Rice’s vampires so generously merit. The acting is frightful. The only positive things I can say about this film is that it’s visually artistic, it has some of the most admirable sets, remarkable costumes, and some classic vampires. Queen of the Damned is a mediocre affair without a single piece of charm or thrill and it doesn't live up to the standards of a notable vampire film.

* * * *

Now read Jon Bjorling's take on the film...

This movie bites, and not in a good way. This is truly one of the worst vampire films ever made. Never having read the book, I can't say how well an adaptation this is or not, and nor do I care. There is little to no character
development at all (especially among the majority of vampires that we are supposed to have feelings for.) Aaliyah is laughably bad, as is Townsend (who's the most pathetic vampire I've ever seen.) The special effects looks like special effects and really serve no purpose. The music is terrible. You would expect more from Jonathan Davis.

Is there any praise to give this movie? No.

RATING: 1 out of 10
 

Queen of the Damned appears in an aspect ratio of  2.35:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. This is a terrific video transfer; it’s an impressive picture. Sharpness was very crisp and detailed. Print flaws appeared utterly absent; I detected no signs of grain, hairs or speckles. Colors were genuine and flawless and often appeared remarkably intense. Black levels looked deep and shadow detail was appropriately clear.

Queen of the Damned is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The mix provided an immerging experience. The entire five-speaker sweep is so active. Dialect sounded crisp and natural, with no issues related to clearness. Effects were positively clear. The score appeared very striking and dynamic, and effects were realistic and strong. Overall, the soundtrack sustains the movie and sounds immaculate.

Extras: reviewed by Jon Bjorling.

--Commentary with Director Michael Rymer, Producer Jorge Saralegui and Composer Richard Gibbs
 

Considering the film, the commentary is decent. I couldn't sit through it all, but fans of the movie might find it interesting.

--Deleted Scenes including more among the ancients and a Jesse dream sequence

All the deleted scenes definitely belong on the cutting room floor (however there is a joke with Garlic that is kinda funny).

--Extended Concerts (Forsaken, Redeemer and System)

More of Stuart Townsend lip-syncing to Jonathan Davis. YAAAWWWNNN!

--Gag Reel

A nice collection of missed takes and wirework shenanigans.

--Aaliyah Remembered Documentary
 

Worth watching only if you like Aaliyah.

--Behind the Scenes Footage

For fans only (if there are any).
 

Some other extras on the DVD:

• Creating the Vampires and The Music of Lestat

• Static X Cold Music Video

• Extended Slept So Long and Not Meant For Me concert sequences

• Production Book Stills

• DVD-ROM Features

Queen of the Damned could have been a clever and inventive film, instead the film became a collection of scenes with little to no adherence to it. Mish-mashed and foolish, Queen of the Damned never lived up to the noteworthy INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE. The DVD on the contrary provides admirable picture, solid sound, and lacks in supplemental features. Do yourself a favor and avoid this worthless and tedious film.

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